The Bell Seal For Workplace Mental Health
Lunch & Learn: June 25th, 2026
Workplace wellness is a critical component of suicide prevention. In Indiana, where individuals spend an average of 33.7 to 34.1 hours per week at work, our state frequently ranks among the most overworked in the U.S. The workplace plays a central role in shaping employee’s both physical and mental health.
Being overworked—defined as consistently operating beyond safe or sustainable limits—can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and ultimately burnout. These conditions are not only detrimental to overall well-being but are also recognized contributors to suicidal ideation.
Given the substantial amount of time individuals spend at work, employers have both an opportunity and a responsibility to foster environments that support employee health and resilience, thereby enhancing employee engagement, productivity, and organizational effectiveness. This Lunch & Learn will highlight common warning signs associated with suicidal ideation and outline practical indicators employers can recognize to support early intervention. It will also provide an overview of the crisis continuum, guidance on connecting employees to resources beyond the workplace, and conclude with dedicated time for audience questions and discussion.
Our discussion leader for this lunch and learn will be Kristen Ludeker-Seibert. Kristen is the Director of the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network and is the Chair of Hamilton County Systems of Care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating cum laude in 1998.
Workplace Wellness Meetings: Meet the Bell Seal Recipients
Join us for MHAI’s 2026 Workplace Wellness Monthly Meetings, held on the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00–1:00 p.m., designed to connect employers, recognize leadership in workplace mental health, and share best practices that strengthen organizational culture.
Our monthly meetings will feature Bell Seal recipients to share their experiences and what they have learned through becoming Bell Seal recognized. This will be a chance for organizations at different stages of excellence and showcasing how their efforts are advancing employee well-being, strengthening workplace culture, and setting the standard for mental health in the workplace. This meeting is also open to companies that just want to learn more and to find ways to prioritize mental health and wellness in their workplace. To get added to the monthly workplace meetings please email Jama Donovan at jdonovan@mhai.net.
Together, We Can Redefine Workplace Mental Health.
Bell Seal Certification
Promoting Mental Health in Indiana Workplaces
About the Bell Seal Certification
At Mental Health America of Indiana, we are dedicated to helping Indiana businesses enhance their workplace wellness programs by guiding them through the process of obtaining the National Mental Health America Bell Seal certification. The Bell Seal is a nationally recognized symbol that demonstrates an organization’s commitment to the mental well-being of its employees.
What is the Bell Seal?
The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a certification program that recognizes employers who meet high standards of mental health support and employee wellness. It helps businesses assess their workplace policies, identify areas for improvement, and receive expert guidance to become a mentally healthy workplace.
Why Partner with Mental Health America of Indiana
We understand that navigating the certification process can be complex. That’s why our Workplace Wellness Director is here to provide Indiana businesses with personalized guidance to help you every step of the way!
- Assess your current mental health policies
- Identify areas where improvement is needed
- Develop and implement strategies that promote employee well-being
- Achieve the Bell Seal certification, showcasing your organization as a leader in workplace mental health
Determine If You’re Eligible
Indiana employers of all sizes and industries are encouraged to apply for the Bell Seal certification. Bell Seal recipients span various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. To check eligibility, take a quick survey.
Employers actively working to reduce employee rights related to mental health or substance use conditions are ineligible to apply.
Start Your Application
The Bell Seal certification application process opens every mid-January and closes the end of the first week of April. (Prepare your submission early to ensure all requirements are met.)
You can work on your application goals with our Workforce Development Director from April to December to improve your workplace wellness. For personalized guidance, reach out to Jama Donovan at jdonovan@mhai.net.
The process is simple:
- Submit an information form.
- Receive an email with the link to the online application.
- Complete the online application.
- Receive your results within 30 business days.
Low Cost And Big Impact
As a non-profit organization, the Bell Seal application fee helps cover the application processing costs and ongoing support. The fee ranges depending on the organization’s industry and full-time equivalent (FTE) count and is due at the time of submission by credit card or check payment.
- 1 – 50 FTEs
- MHA Affiliate: Free
- Public or Non-Profit: $150
- Private: $200
- 51 – 1,000 FTEs
- MHA Affiliate: Free
- Public or Non-Profit: $250
- Private: $300
- 1,001 – 5,000 FTEs
- MHA Affiliate: Free
- Public or Non-Profit: $350
- Private: $400
- 5,001+ FTEs
- MHA Affiliate: Free
- Public or Non-Profit: $450
- Private: $500
As a non-profit organization, all revenue generated by the Bell Seal program is returned to MHA programming and Bell Seal program-related expenses, including staff time to review applications and assist applicants through the process.
Not sure where to start? We have your back! Contact Jama Donovan at jdonovan@mhai.net.
Employers with Bell Seal certification, at their discretion, will receive:
- Recognition on MHA’s social media and national newsletter
- Recognition during MHA’s Annual Conference
- Recognition in MHA’s annual benchmarking report
- Access to the Bell Seal Recipient promotion toolkit (with information and practical resources to share the award with their networks)
- Access to the quarterly Workplace Wellness Newsletter
- Opportunities to collaborate with MHA on projects that promote recipients’ achievements, such as
- Panel discussion invitations
- Virtual or in-person speaking engagements
- Resource or blog spotlights
Bell Seal Recipients will ALSO receive:
- Award recognition at the Indiana Mental Health and Addiction Symposium Heroes for Recovery Luncheon
